LATEST | Kuzmenko losing favour in Vancouver: Rick Tocchet losing patience over it
Andrei Kuzmenko had an excellent first season in Vancouver, but recently it's been a struggle for the forward.
In last night's loss to the Devils, where Vancouver mounted a comeback from a 3 goal deficit in the third before eventually falling 6-5, Kuzmenko only played three shifts in the final frame.
The winger has seemingly fallen out of the good graces of head coach Rick Tocchet, who was visibly frustrated answering questions about the lack of shifts.
«I'm tired of answering questions about him. We came back, it worked out... Kuzy's gotta forecheck, let's start with that,
Tocchet said.
Kuzmenko was a -3 in the loss, and has the third worst +/- for the Canucks this season.
Nils Hoglander was the beneficiary of Kuzmenko's lost ice time, getting 10 shifts in the third period and scoring a goal.
Hoglander's strong play and Kuzmenko's struggles could result in Kuzmenko's ice time continuing to dwindle, with a healthy scratch not out of the question.
Kuzmenko is in the first year of a 2 year deal that pays him $5.5 million per season.
POLL |
What should the Canucks do with Kuzmenko? |
Play him more, boost his confidence | 447 | 46.1 % |
Teach him a lesson, make him work harder | 271 | 28 % |
Trade him | 251 | 25.9 % |
List of polls |
|
1 hour ago | By Cooper Godin Former Canuck Oliver Ekman-Larsson handed fine by NHL Department of Player Safety |
|
2 hours ago | By Cooper Godin Ottawa Senators forward David Perron steps away from hockey due to personal reasons |
|
14 hours ago | By Owen Fullerton Ex-Canucks grinder Derek Dorsett claims Kiefer Sherwood is Vancouver's unsung hero |
|
15 hours ago | By Maverick Mitchell Darkest Era of Canucks hockey - Vancouver Canucks' most controversial head coach Mike Keenan tells all |
|
17 hours ago | By Jon McIntyre Canucks showcase new interesting lineup & powerplay at practice ahead of Chicago Blackhawks matchup |
|
18 hours ago | By Cooper Godin Former Vancouver Canucks forward Matthew Highmore placed on waivers |
|
19 hours ago | By Maverick Mitchell Vancouver Canucks provides much anticipated injury update on J.T. Miller |
|
20 hours ago | By Maverick Mitchell Sad News to announce as Former Vancouver Canucks Forward Moe Lemay has sadly passed away at 62 |
Previously on CanucksDaily